Pan, S. (2010) Sustainability and Outreach of a Kachin Church Microfinance Institution in Burma

Title: Sustainability and Outreach of a Kachin Church Microfinance Institution in Burma

Author: Seng Nu Pan

Year: 2010

Keywords: MICROFINANCE, SUSTAINABILITY/OUTREACH/SOCIAL CAPITAL

Download PDF of Abstract: English Thai

Abstract:

There is increasing interest in Muhammad Yunus's Grameen Bank microfinance model as a means of addressing the needs of Burma's poverty, but there have been no studies of locally led micro-finance institutions (MFIs) in Burma. This study assesses the sustainability and outreach of a church-run microfinance institution in northern Burma bringing to the fore borrowers' perspectives on impacts by examining the tensions between sustainability and outreach, and the influence of church social capital.

The credit union is operationally sustainable but it is not financially sustainable due to poor management, weak organizational structure, inappropriate loan methodology, imperfect information, borrower deception, Kachin cultural values about small income-generating activities, and the broader political and economic environment in Burma. The study finds that the credit union faces a trade-off between sustainability and its outreach to the poor. It attains only 30% repayment rates as most borrowers, particularly the poor often use their loans for consumption rather than generation incomes leaving them entrenched in debt rather than helping them escape from poverty.

The role of church social capital in sustainability and outreach is complex as it can facilitate outreach and compromise repayment rates. Yet despite its imperfections, the credit union does help alleviate the poverty of some church members by allowing them to develop human capital and financing micro-enterprises. Church members consider it the best provider of financial services in their locale.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER CIVIL SOCIETY COASTAL GOVERNANCE COMMUNITY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP DEMOCRACY IN BURMA DEMOCRATIZATION DEVELOPMENT DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION GOOD GOVERNANCE GOVERNANCE FACTORS HIGHER EDUCATION HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ICM INDONESIA INSTITUTIONS INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT KAREN REFUGEES KHMER ROUGE LIVELIHOOD MIGRATION MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SHADOW STATE POLITICS SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL MOVEMENT SUSTAINABLE COASTAL DEVELOPMENT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-BURMA BORDER THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAI FEMALE THAILAND THAKSIN SHINAWATRA WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Es, M. (2009) Trust Building Through Army Development Initiatives In Conflict Situations: The Case of Yalannanbaru in Southern Border Provinces of Thailand

Title: Trust Building Through Army Development Initiatives In Conflict Situations: The Case of Yalannanbaru in Southern Border Provinces of Thailand

Author: Martine Van Es

Year: 2009

Keywords: CONFLICT / SOUTH THAILAND / TRUST BUILDING /DEVELOPMENT

Download PDF of Abstract: English Thai

Abstract:

This study focuses on the Yalannanbaru program run by the Thai army in the southern border provinces of Thailand in order to examine whether the project contributes to obtain trust from the local people. In so doing, this thesis introduces theories on trust and distrust to the conflict situation and development initiatives run by the Thai army. The study utilizes an in-depth single-case study on the Yalannanbaru program; a drugs re-education camp for youth in the southern border provinces. In the course of analysis, the notion of separate dimensions of trust and distrust is applied, acknowledging the multifaceted character of many relations and the possible coexistence of trust and distrust in a relationship. In addition, the theory of calibration of trust and distrust is introduced in order to examine how the discrepancy between expectations and outcomes of army development initiatives can influence participants' attitudes.

The study revealed that through various processes, the program has been able to change levels of interpersonal trust and distrust between the participating youth and the army officers directly involved. However, the potential to address intergroup trust and distrust through the program is currently very limited; the existing distrust in society is a strong restraint on any trust building process. From the study, the thesis concludes that trust building through development initiatives by the Thai army like Yalannanbaru requires more careful analysis on relation and trust building with thorough understanding of wider conflict dynamics. Without focusing on resolution by tackling the root causes of the conflict, army development programs have little potential to contribute to improving the situation in the southern border provinces.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER CIVIL SOCIETY COASTAL GOVERNANCE COMMUNITY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP DEMOCRACY IN BURMA DEMOCRATIZATION DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION GOOD GOVERNANCE GOVERNANCE FACTORS HIGHER EDUCATION HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ICM INDONESIA INSTITUTIONS INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT KAREN REFUGEES KHMER ROUGE LIVELIHOOD MIGRATION MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SHADOW STATE POLITICS SMES SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL MOVEMENT SUSTAINABLE COASTAL DEVELOPMENT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-BURMA BORDER THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAI FEMALE THAILAND THAKSIN SHINAWATRA WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Kalina, M. (2008) Building for the Future: A Framework for Sustainable Road Construction in Lao PDR

Title: Building for the Future: A Framework for Sustainable Road Construction in Lao PDR

Author: Marc Kalina

Year: 2008

Keywords: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT/ INFRASTRUCTURE/ ROAD CONSTRUCTION/ LAO PDR/ GREATER MEKONG SUB-REGION/ ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

Download PDF of Abstract: English Thai

Abstract:The purpose of this study is to propose a framework for sustainable infrastructure development in the Greater Mekong Subregion, learning from the experience of road construction in Lao PDR. The main research question is to discover what knowledge can we glean from past infrastructure development in the Greater Mekong Subregion and Lao PDR which would facilitate the creation of a more sustainable development model. The information used in this study was gathered through extensive literature research in addition to interviews with key actors involved with the construction and monitoring of Highway 9 in Southern Lao PDR.

Analysis of both infrastructure and sustainable development reaffinns the value of infrastructure towards the improvement of human welfare, yet points out its deficiencies, notably its strain on the natural environment. Furthermore, the concept of sustainable development, with a definition that focuses on maintenance of the natural capital stock, is explored, which appears to be an attractive path towards mitigating infrastructures harmful side-effects. Additionally, the case study of road construction in Southern Lao PDR illustrates the environmental impacts of this development, with a focus on specific deficiencies within the construction process.

Based on both the literature analysis and case study a framework for sustainable infrastructure development is presented. This framework focuses on the four dimensions of a project, as observed in the case study: Sound planning, sound implementation, effective monitoring, and accountability. Recommendations are presented which would introduce the maxim of sustainable development to each development phase. Examples of these recommendations include: Environmental valuation and cost-benefits analyses in the assessment and planning stage, increased monitoring by governmental regulatory agencies, and a transparent bidding process to counter corruption.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER CERTIFICATE TRANSLATION TO MARKET ECONOMY COMMUNITY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP DEMOCRACY IN BURMA DEMOCRATIZATION DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION GOOD GOVERNANCE HIGHER EDUCATION HOCHIMINH CITY HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ISSURANCE OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION KAREN REFUGEES KHMER ROUGE LIVELIHOOD MIGRATION MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY POLICY IMPLEMENTATION REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SENSITIVE SERVICES SHADOW STATE POLITICS SMES SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL EVILS SOCIAL MOVEMENT STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRAT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-BURMA BORDER THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAI FEMALE THAILAND THAKSIN SHINAWATRA WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD BANK REFORMS WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Min, S. (2008) Role of Religious Organizations in Development Assistance: A Case Study of Ban Takula in Suan Phung District, Ratchaburi Province

Title: Role of Religious Organizations in Development Assistance: A Case Study of Ban Takula in Suan Phung District, Ratchaburi Province

Author: Saw Aye Min

Year: 2008

Keywords: RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS/ DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE/ SUSTAINBILITY/ IMMIGRANT KAREN/ TAKULA VILLAGE/ RATCHABURI PROVINCE/ THAILAND

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Abstract:

The ethnic Karen had been living along Burma and Thailand border areas where the demarcation between the two countries has been porous to date. The Karen people in the borderlands usually have their relatives on both sides of the countries. Thus, it is normal that they are used to traveling to and from Burma to Thailand to visit their relatives. Migration of Karen people to Thailand has occurred since an unknown date.

The objectives of research are to identify the specific roles of religious organizations in development assistance for the Karen villagers in Ban Takula and to examine the sustainability of the development assistance given by different religious organization in this village. This research uses qualitative methods by relying on semi-structured in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and non-participant observations. Both primary and secondary data were used in documentary analysis. The research reviewed and analyzed the existing literature for its documentary research.

The research found out that some philanthropy, faith-based and secular organizations are helping the immigrant Karen living in Takula in Suan Phung District, Ratchaburi Province. They are Tarmaka temple, Diocesan Social Action Center of Ratchaburi (DISACR), Shwe Yin Kyaw Eiksaydaya Upper Lane Gang (Traditional Healer), Catholic Office of Emergency Relief for the Refugees (COERR), Takula Karen Baptist Church (TKBC) and Rajanagrindra Tropical Disease International Center (RTIC). Regarding the role of these civil society organizations, the research found out that they are providing several development assistances such as health, education, credit union to the villagers for their income generation to survive in their new lives.

The research concluded that the development assistance given by the above organizations is limited and inconsistent in this village. Most of the Karen immigrants at Takula have to survive their lives working in seasonal works such as plantations, gardens, maids and construction sites around the province. Despite having some job opportunities, the Karen immigrant at Takula village are so poor that they need the substantial development assistance to the sustainability of their economic life in future.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER CERTIFICATE TRANSLATION TO MARKET ECONOMY COMMUNITY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP DEMOCRACY IN BURMA DEMOCRATIZATION DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION GOOD GOVERNANCE HIGHER EDUCATION HOCHIMINH CITY HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ISSURANCE OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION KAREN REFUGEES KHMER ROUGE MIGRATION MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY POLICY IMPLEMENTATION POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY PAPERS REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SENSITIVE SERVICES SHADOW STATE POLITICS SMES SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL EVILS SOCIAL MOVEMENT STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRAT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-BURMA BORDER THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAI FEMALE THAKSIN SHINAWATRA VIETNAM WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD BANK REFORMS WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Von Feigenblatt, O. (2007) Japan and Human Security: Gaps of Realities

Title: Japan and Human Security: Gaps of Realities

Author: Otto Von Feigenblatt

Year: 2007

Keywords: HUMAN SECURITY/JAPANESE OFFICIAL ODA POLICY

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Abstract:

Japan's foreign policy is often described as abnormal and opportunistic due to its perceived deviation from the norm established by the ruling international relations paradigm, neo-realism. This study concentrates on one policy field of great international visibility, official development assistance. Japan's official ODA policy is taken as a representative example of its foreign policy and serves to test the impact of the rising Human Security Paradigm. This innovative paradigm has been adopted by Japan as a pillar of its foreign policy and its language is widely used in official policy documents. Due to this a discursive analysis was undertaken so as to determine the impact of the Human Security approach on Japan's Official ODA policy and consequently identify Japan's official position regarding this approach. This dissertation then tests Japan's actual ODA projects planned and implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the United Nations Fund for Human Security in order to determine whether there is a gap between Japan's version of the Human Security approach and its actual policies regarding ODA. This test is not concerned with the actual results of the projects in question or with their impact on their target beneficiaries but rather with the level of coherence and consistency of Official ODA policy discourse and actual project implementation. Three main results were revealed. Regarding Japan's official position of the concept of Human Security, its position closely resembles that of the United Nations Commission for Human Security which favors a balanced view of the paradigm tackling both "freedom from fear" and "freedom from want". This approach allots equal emphasis to protection as to long term empowerment and favors a concerted effort by all major stakeholders. In summary this view lies between the Protective Human Security of some "middle powers" such as Canada and Australia and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and the developmental Human Security of most radical non-governmental organizations and the United Nations Development Program. The second result is regarding the impact of the Human Security paradigm in Official ODA discourse. It is clear from the detailed discursive analysis undertaken that Human Security has permeated this policy area. Finally the third result deals with discursive co-optation and the forces behind the efforts to mainstream Human Security. This dissertation shows how conservative neo-realist stakeholders in Japan have identified common instrumental security goals with those of Human Security and have co-opted the use of the language of Human Security in order to further the ultimate goal of the -normalization" of Japan in a neo-realist fashion.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER CERTIFICATE TRANSLATION TO MARKET ECONOMY COMMUNITY COUNTRY OWNERSHIP COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP DEMOCRACY IN BURMA DEMOCRATIZATION DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION FTA WATCH GOOD GOVERNANCE HIGHER EDUCATION HOCHIMINH CITY HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ISSURANCE OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION KAREN REFUGEES KHMER ROUGE MIGRATION MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY POLICY IMPLEMENTATION POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY PAPERS REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SENSITIVE SERVICES SHADOW STATE POLITICS SMES SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL EVILS STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRAT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-BURMA BORDER THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAI FEMALE THAKSIN SHINAWATRA VIETNAM WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD BANK REFORMS WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Rangsit, D. (2006) Implications of the One Tambon One Product Policy on Sustainable Development in Thailand

Title: Implications of the One Tambon One Product Policy on Sustainable Development in Thailand

Author: Devraj Rangsit

Year: 2006

Keywords: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, OTOP, DISCOURSE, THAKSIN SHINAWATRA

Download PDF of Abstract: English Thai

Abstract:

The One Tambon One Product (OTOP) policy under the Thaksin government was meant to be an initiator of SD through Thailand's decentralization process, the empowerment of local communities and employment creation and income diversification within local vicinities.

The objectives of this thesis are as follows: Firstly, to clarify OTOP's conceptual implication to the notion of Sustainable Development in Thailand. Secondly, to identify the differences between the operating principles of OTOP and the Fair trade movement, and their implication towards the enabling of SD and community empowerment.

The methodologies employed are structured interviews of key informants supplanted with the assessment of data from reports and past evaluation of OTOP as part of the comparative analysis. Informants included staffs from the National Research Council of Thailand and the managerial personnel of a Fair trade organization in Thailand.

The findings are: Through the comparative analysis of OTOP's current operating principles with principles employed by the Fair trade organizations, the revenue generated through OTOP, despite of its high volume does not contribute towards the enabling of the policy's stated objectives. Implementation of OTOP lacks the disaggregate differentiation between the various types of producers involved as well as the fact that overwhelming emphasis is given to the volume of trade rather than the quality of trade conducted or the extent of the community learning process enabled.

Recommendations: In order for OTOP to be an effective instigator of sustainable economic growth and community empowerment, there is an essential need for the differentiation between the types of producers endorsed. Equally important OTOP's current strategic objective of trade maximization should be replaced with the need for increased emphasis on 'customer education' and 'ethical consumption'.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER COMMUNITY DEMOCRATIZATION EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION GOOD GOVERNANCE HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE KHMER ROUGE MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SHADOW STATE POLITICS SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-KAREN PEOPLE WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD SOCIAL FORUM